FIFA proposes tougher sanctions on discrimination

AP , Associated Press

May. 6, 20131:01 PM ET

ZURICH (AP) — FIFA is proposing tougher sanctions on teams whose players, officials or fans are found guilty of racist or discriminatory behavior. The penalties include point deductions, expulsion from competitions and even relegation.

The FIFA Task Force Against Racism and Discrimination met for the first time Monday following instances of racial abuse in recent years.

The group is proposing a two-stage warning. They would range from fines and matches played without fans for minor offenses to point deductions or relegation for repeat offenders for more serious offenses.

FIFA also wants to have an official at stadiums to identify acts of discrimination, and for countries and clubs across the world to implement sanctions in a "harmonized way."

The proposal will be presented at FIFA's meeting in Mauritius at the end of the month.

ZURICH (AP) — FIFA is proposing tougher sanctions on teams whose players, officials or fans are found guilty of racist or discriminatory behavior. The penalties include point deductions, expulsion from competitions and even relegation.